Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has issued a powerful call for women to openly confront breast cancer, warning against hiding the disease due to fear or social stigma. He made these remarks while inaugurating the Mega Pinkathon breast cancer awareness campaign organized by the Kerala Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the medical college auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.
Alarming Statistics and a Call for Openness
The Chief Minister highlighted a critical public health concern, citing expert opinion that one in every nine women in Kerala faces a risk of developing breast cancer. He noted that many women, even after noticing symptoms, tend to conceal their condition, often to avoid worrying their families. Vijayan stressed that this silence is dangerous and that the message of early detection leading to complete recovery must be spread widely.
"Breast cancer should not be hidden; it should be directly confronted and defeated," Vijayan asserted, assuring that the state government stands ready to provide full support to those battling the illness.
Kerala's Robust Healthcare Infrastructure for Cancer
The Chief Minister outlined the comprehensive systems Kerala has established for women's health protection and cancer control. He detailed several key initiatives and facilities available to the public:
- Free screening is available at primary health centres for women over 30 and those with a family history of cancer.
- The 'Aarogyam Anandam, Akattam Arbudham' campaign screened an impressive 2.1 million people in a single year.
- Major cancer care facilities, including the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Malabar Cancer Centre, and Cochin Cancer Research Centre, have been upgraded.
- Chemotherapy services have been decentralized and extended to taluk hospitals for easier access.
- Free treatment is provided through the Karunya Health Security Scheme, and affordable medicines are available via 'Karunya Sparsham'.
- A project to administer cervical cancer vaccines to school students has also been initiated.
Vision to Become a Leading Cancer Treatment Hub
Echoing the CM's commitment, Health Minister Veena George stated the government's ambitious aim to transform Kerala into a premier hub for cancer treatment in the country. She elaborated on the ongoing efforts to strengthen the cancer care network across the state.
Decentralised chemotherapy systems and district cancer programmes are being implemented in all 14 districts. Furthermore, a statewide 'cancer grid' is being formed, and lab networks are being established to ensure seamless diagnosis and care.
Minister George also highlighted a crucial weekly service: special clinics for women operate every Tuesday at all 5,416 community health centres, offering screening facilities, including for breast cancer.
Concluding on an inspirational note, Chief Minister Vijayan pointed to survivors of breast cancer as beacons of hope and strength for others. He emphasized that awareness campaigns prioritizing women's health, like the Mega Pinkathon, are essential in the collective fight against this disease.
